November 18, 2012

Antiquing in England

This Anglophile LOVES antiquing while in Britain. The Decorative Antiques and Textile show is a favorite held three times a year. Let's take a peek at what caught my eye

Intaglio's are still white hot but displayed in unique ways (sorry for the quality, my I-phone)

Antique dealers from all over Europe attend. This is obviously a dealer from France with a chalkware Joan de Arc

Same dealer. Take a close look at this intriguing lamp fashioned from a french barn door hinge.

Speaking of chalkware, I adored these pigs and wanted them for my kitchen. At 800 pounds =
$1,475.00 dollars, this was not to be

I love framing objects and was mesmerized by this early 17thc gown

An 18th c bureau from Spain with original paint. Has anyone antiqued in Spain? This piece has me thinking.........

Simple but different with the button placement

Classical elements were abundant. Notice the blue butterflies under a dome?

Here is another dome with a display of ancient ship ballast balls

A bibliothique, or French library cabinet. Notice the narrow profile

This long ago barrister's cabinet from London

The whimsical nature of this toy captured my imagination for it's charm. This Dutch toy made of paper mache cost $1,660.00!

Sorry for the glare, and no it is not an antique, but the decorative art of the talented Elisabeth LeCourt

In case you were wondering, yes, these are crafted of maps

Some of my purchases....... Found this heavy linen fabric in France and loved the wide stripes and colors. What separates this from typical linen is a subtle oil cloth-like coating. Thinking this would be perfect for a current interiors client. They have been wanting a fabric for bench seating at their kitchen table, we have searched. With children, this was a shoe-in but they changed their minds......7 yards was a bear to carry around........and now it is for sale

Maxwell of London is the finest bespoke riding boots in England. What drew me to these is the small women's size. Not original, but may turn these into lamps.

What can I say? It spoke to me! Victorian era parade horse harness. As my luggage became unbearably heavy I thought I could wrap this around my neck, breeze through security and if stopped claim, in an insulted tone, 'I am a jewelry designer!' Would have broken my neck!

Like everywhere around the world, 'antique centered towns' are disappearing in Britain. One of those that remains is Tetbury England. In planning our 2013 tour, Sylvia and I made a visit to this royal town in the Cotswolds. Prince Charles' Highgrove is in Tetbury so needless to say, this is an upmarket region. We are on the list to receive tickets to Highgrove Gardens for next year's group.

In town is his stunning shop called again, Highgrove Garden shop.

Terrific imagination abounds, like this gardening can turned wall sconce

A series of garden sconces, all different, were fashioned from vintage gardening implements. Notice that the bell cloche on top is the 'light'

A diminutive courtyard. Isn't the painting scheme attractive? As we departed, Sylvia queried 'did you know that there were signs posted everywhere stating 'NO PHOTOGRAPHY?' Actually I did not, aren't you glad?

Endless antique shops lined Long street. Here is a Knole sofa with contemporary lines. So named after it's origin at Knowle House in the 17thc. It's design was for visiting Monarch's to receive their guests and once had adjustable arms. Knole House is the family home of Vita Sackville-West, erected in 1605.